A lion statue at Miri Park has become the center of attention after a recent restoration left it looking more comical than majestic.
The post, shared on MIRI Community by user Victor Influencer, sparked mixed reactions among netizens.
The lion check in point at Taman Bulatan Park Miri ‘After Restoration & Repainting'”, he wrote.
The lion statue, meant to represent strength and regality, now stands with a noticeably awkward expression. Its oversized, jet-black eyes dominate its face, giving it a startled, wide-eyed look.
The mouth, sculpted to appear as if roaring, looks more like an exaggerated grin. Combined with its disproportionately thick mane painted in a bright orange hue, the statue has unintentionally taken on a comedic appearance.
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Netizens divided
The post has since received over 900 likes at press time, with netizens sharing their thoughts.
One user bluntly suggested, “Please remove and redo.”
Another remarked, “The Lion’s eyes look scary.”
Despite the humor-laden criticism, some defended the statue. A long-time local commented, “This statue had been two decades old for as long as I had known. Given the craftsmanship and skills of the handyman at the time, it’s quite impressive for what they were able to achieve!”
They went on to express pride in its longevity, adding, “I feel ashamed for people who don’t know the story of how long this statue has been here and make fun of it. I am glad, as of today, I can still see it in good shape and soon my children will see it too.”
While some see the statue’s quirky appearance as humorous, others appreciate it as a nostalgic relic that has stood the test of time in Miri.
